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Hockey is an intense, fast-paced sport that demands skill, strategy, and high protection. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, understanding the different hockey equipment players wear is crucial for safety and performance on the ice.
So, what pads do hockey players wear? In this blog, we’ll explore the various types of pads used by ice hockey players, their purpose, and how they contribute to a player’s maximum protection.
Shoulder pads protect hockey players’ shoulders and chests from high-impact collisions and potential injuries.
Designed for hockey's fast-paced, physical demands, they combine safety with performance to keep players at their peak.
Impact Absorption: Foam and plastic inserts disperse collision forces, minimizing injury risks. Built-in protection effectively handles impact from ice hockey sticks, collisions and falls.
Mobility and Flexibility: Quality shoulder pads balance protection and range of motion. Ice hockey players can shoot, pass, and stickhandle fluidly without sacrificing safety.
Fit and Comfort: Properly fitted pads stay secure during gameplay, offering comfort while preventing shifting. Adjustable straps enhance customization for all body types.
Factor
Considerations
Size
Ensure pads correspond to your body size and position; forwards may prefer lighter pads, while defensemen might opt for more robust protection
Weight
Lightweight materials enhance agility without sacrificing safety; modern pads utilize advanced materials for protection and lightweight design
Ventilation
Look for breathable hockey equipment and ventilation systems to help regulate body temperature during gamepla
Players are at risk of dislocations and fractures without proper shoulder pads, particularly during collisions or falls. The collarbone is especially vulnerable, leading to painful acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations.
Investing in well-fitted, high-functioning shoulder pads ensures protection, comfort, and confidence on the ice. From absorbing impacts to optimizing movement, the right pads enable peak performance all season long.
“Hockey is a tough, physical game, and it always should be.”—Mario Lemieux
Elbow pads protect hockey players’ elbows and forearms from injuries caused by falls, body checks, hockey sticks, and on-ice collisions. Built with a combination of hard plastic and soft foam, they deliver impact resistance and shock absorption while maximizing comfort during play.
Secure Fit: Elbow pads should stay firmly in place throughout play, ensuring unrestricted movement without the distraction of shifting gear.
Lightweight Design: Low-profile, lightweight pads enhance flexibility for stickhandling and shooting while maintaining agility on the ice.
In hockey, wearing proper elbow pads protects against serious injuries. Below are common elbow injuries in hockey, often caused by inadequate or poorly fitting elbow pads:
Elbow Sprains: Repetitive motions such as slap shots or physical play strain elbow ligaments, leading to painful sprains.
Olecranon Bursitis: Direct impacts or repeated trauma inflame the elbow bursa, causing swelling and discomfort. Proper cushioning significantly reduces the risk.
Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injuries: High-impact collisions and repeated stress from slap shots damage the UCL and sideline players for extended periods.
Fractures: Hard hits from ice hockey sticks, falls, or player collisions may break the elbow joint. Well-designed pads with sturdy plastic caps help absorb impact forces.
Dislocations: Falls and board collisions increase the risk of elbow dislocations. Secure, well-fitted pads offer critical joint support during gameplay.
To safeguard performance and safety without sacrificing mobility or comfort, prioritize elbow pads with a snug fit, lightweight construction, and streamlined design. Strength training and safe techniques also effectively decrease injury risk.
Test Your Gear Before Purchase: Always try on protective gear before buying it. Move around in it—bend, squat, and simulate skating motions—to ensure it allows full mobility without pinching or discomfort.
Shin guards protect shins and knees from pucks, hockey sticks, and player collisions, ensuring safety on the ice. They absorb shocks and prevent injuries while maintaining agility.
Wide Range of Options: Shin guards are available in various sizes and styles to suit youth players, seasoned pros, and every preference.
Mobility-Focused Design: Engineered to shield the front of the leg while enabling unrestricted movement for optimal ice performance.
Durable Construction: Hard outer shells deliver impact protection, while interior padding ensures comfort and absorbs shocks during extended play.
Focus on Fit: Ensure shin guards cover from just below the knee to the hockey skates, providing complete protection without impeding movement.
Match Protection to Play Level: Beginners benefit from lightweight models, while advanced players may require high-protection designs with enhanced features.
Customize for Comfort: Consider options with ankle guards, adjustable straps, or other add-ons that align with your preferences.
Choose high-quality shin guards for superior safety and performance. Protect yourself while keeping comfortable and agile on the ice. Safeguard your hockey game with confidence!
Hockey pants, often called “breezers” deliver essential protection and performance for ice players. Here's why they matter:
Ensure a Snug Fit: Pants should sit securely around the waist and stay in place during games. The bottom edge must align between the middle and top of the kneecap for complete protection and unrestricted movement.
Check Sizing Charts: Use brand-specific charts to match your waist and height. Each manufacturer designs sizing differently.
Traditional vs. Tapered Fit: Traditional styles sit wider in the hips and thighs, while tapered fits hug the hips and taper at the thighs. Match the fit to your playing style.
Girdles for Anatomical Fit: Do you prefer a second-skin feel? Girdles offer a compression-like fit and require a shell for added padding.
Recreational vs. Elite Options: Choose cost-effective lightweight pants for casual play or robust, high-coverage pants for competitive action. Protection should reflect your playing intensity.
Tailbone and Thigh Padding: Prioritize tailbone cushions for frequent falls and sturdy thigh guards for physical players or shot blockers.
Invest in Durability: Look for rigid, impact-resistant materials built to handle wear and tear. Breathable fabrics help regulate heat during intense action.
Mobility Features Matter: Opt for 4-way stretch fabrics for unhindered skating and enhanced range of motion.
Always try on pants before buying. Squat, bend, and simulate skating movements to confirm optimal mobility and fit without pinching or restriction.
A perfect pair of hockey pants balances fit, protection, and flexibility to boost performance and shield against injuries. Tailor your choice based on your game style, play level, and personal preferences. Try on various styles to find your ideal match.
Proper hockey pants amplify safety, comfort, and confidence. Choose based on size, fit, and protective needs tailored to your playing style. Quality hockey gear enables peak performance, so you concentrate on the ice—not your ice hockey equipment.
“A fast body-contact game played by men with clubs in their hands and knives laced to their feet.”—Paul Gallico
Smart Features: Look for hockey helmets with advanced padding and proper ventilation. Always match them with neck guards to ensure safety and breathability during play.
Goalies dominate a unique role in hockey, relying on specialized hockey equipment crafted for their demanding position. Goalie pads are among the most critical tools, shielding legs and knees while enabling precision shot-blocking.
Goalie pads feature a thicker, more rigid design than standard player protective gear. This structure absorbs impact from blistering shots and allows goalies to remain mobile under pressure. Enhanced thickness ensures superior protection against pucks flying at speeds over 100 mph.
Advanced synthetic materials power modern goalie pads, delivering unmatched durability and lightweight performance. These innovative materials endure intense gameplay and keep goalies agile in the crease.
Beyond pads, goalies rely on a comprehensive set of protective ice hockey equipment:
Chest and Arm Protector: Shields the upper body, including shoulders and ribs, without restricting movement.
Hockey helmets: An absolute necessity for shielding the head from top-speed pucks.
Gloves: Engineered for catching high-speed pucks while safeguarding hands from severe impact.
Neck guard: Essential for protecting the neck and throat from flying pucks.
Blocker: Equipped with a reinforced board, the blocker deflects shots precisely and redirects dangerous plays.
Durable, high-performance goalie gear equips netminders to stay focused and fearless. Every hockey equipment—from pads to gloves—ensures safety while helping goalies excel in the crease, turning away relentless attacks to keep the puck out of the net.
Regular Maintenance: Inspect your ice hockey equipment regularly for wear and tear. Replace any padding that shows signs of damage or compression, as worn-out hockey pads lose their protective qualities.
Stay confident on the ice with hockey equipment to protect and enhance your performance. Every piece, from chest protectors to leg pads, is pivotal in keeping you safe and injury-free during intense matchups.
Investing in reliable, well-fitted gear can make a game-changing difference, whether you're just starting or perfecting your skills. Prioritize comfort, protection, and performance for the ultimate experience.
Be sure to explore our range of customizable hockey apparel before you go. From custom hockey jerseys to hockey socks, equip yourself with personalized gear for your next match up!